"ABHIMAAN'S POV"

"Arghhh" I screamed as I punched the punching bag in gym.

Since last one hour I was here expelling all my anger out on this bag.

She said me same.

How the fuck she said this. I'll not leave that Tanya. And sure there's a lot more to it.

Something which made it difficult for her to breath and gave her that panicked asthma attack. But she wouldn't tell me.

And why should she? Did I ? No right.

So why would she do that.

What's more to it Abhimaan!

And I can't tell what's more to it. How could I tell her that there wasn't anything happening to my image. My image is highly secured. It was all her image that the bastard planned to ruin. He had the clip of that night when he cheated and everything happened. He was at a cheap media channel to even give notes about it, tarnishing her image. How could I tell her this.

How could I even tell her this, that I didn't care about my image for a second but hers. But now, it's been a month. He can't prove anything even if he wants to. Because the marriage is registered in US laws. No one would now believe this rumor. I can in turn get charges on him for a lot of things. Even if they're lies, I can surely sue him. And as of stepping near Vrinda, I'll not let him be alive without thinking twice.

But I don't want her to know any of it. Because I don't want her to expect anything from me. She doesn't deserve this world of webs and lies that is spun around me.

I sighed and splashed water on my face.

As I was wiping my face I got a call from Eleanor.

"Yes Eleanor" I spoke

"Sir, there's a case, of Mr. Sankalp Charan, son of Shantanu Charan" She said

"Charan as in, the ex Indian finance minister" I asked my focus totally on it

"Yes sir. It happens to be an important case I thought to let you know if we're taking it or not" She said

"Brief about the case" I questioned going towards the kitchen.

"His son is charged for a massive human trafficking. Mr. Charan says he's innocent" She said and I paused taking the water from RO.

"Till yesterday evening, get me the birth card of this Charan. We'll see then" I told

"Um, sir.. " Eleanor hesitated

"What's there " I asked

"He said he knows something which would lessen your burden from past" She said and I looked over the call.

"This senior Charan is in India? " I asked with a small smirk.

"Yes sir. He asked me to tell you that he would appreciate a meeting tomorrow" She told

"Get a meeting fixed Eleanor. Of tomorrow 4 pm IST " I said

"Okay sir. " She replied and I cut the call.

Mom and Aadi would be here in sometime. I looked at the time. It was already half past one.

Taking a jug of water I went back to the room to see Vrinda sleeping. Her cheeks again had those dried tears.

I don't want to be reason of her tears damn it. Yet I am. Yet I'm going to be the reason. And I want to beat the shit out of myself for being this reason.

I took a look at her again and saw her arm under her head. Sighing I went near and carefully held her head removing the hand from beneath. She squirmed in her sleep yet the dose of medicines didn't let her open her eyes.

"You're bad" She whispered and my hands stopped right there. Her eyes weren't open yet I knew she was speaking to me.

"You're confusing me" She again whispered and this time I couldn't even look away.

"I'm really bad" I whispered removing the little hair strands falling on her face.

She didn't say anything ,her faint snores now audible in the dark silence. She was asleep again.

"The day you know me, you'll want me gone. I just hope you don't hate me" I whispered kissing her forehead.

Taking my comforters and pillow, I went to the couch and slept not before keeping an alarm of every two hours.

The next I woke up, it was 3 am. I went near the bed and saw her sleeping with comforters away from her.

I touched her forehead, the fever was less then before but not completely gone.

Hence I went Downstairs and taking a bowl of water and a hand towel I went back to the room.

Dipping the towel in water and squeezing it I put that on her forehead and she hissed in sleep.

"Sush. It's me" I whispered

"Maan.. " She mumbled and my hand stopped wherever it was.

I froze completely.

Maan.

Every cell of my body froze listening this one word from her.

It was as if someone sucked out all the life from me and then filled it completely again inside me.

This word from her mouth was exactly like the first rain for a dormant seed, germinating it, giving it life.

There was a crease on her forehead and I kept my palm there.

"My wild cat" I whispered and kissed her forehead.

Surprisingly the crease wasn't there anymore.

"What are you doing to me wild cat" I mumbled and she squirmed in sleep.

After a while, I went back to the couch and slept.

Next day as I woke up I found her sleeping on her stomach. Her mouth little open.

She's cute. She's very cute.

I touched her forehead to check the fever and thankfully it was low.

Freshening up I went downstairs to see mom reading newspaper.

"Morning mom" I wished and she looked at me.

"Morning son. How's Vrinda" She asked

"Better. She's sleeping " I said and sat near by as kitchen help bought me a coffee.

"I want to stay a little more here Abhi" She spoke

"Mom, we've talked about it. And if you want to stay then either me or Aadi is staying. Will that be okay to you" I asked

"But why. It isn't like I've never been alone" She said and I sighed

"I'm not leaving you alone now, end of the discussion" I deadpanned

"We left just after 13 days of your dad's..Abhi, this home was his heart" She said

"And you were his heart beat mom. The least I can do for dad, being his son is to protect you. This is not safe. This place being...you know mom. Please" I pestered and she sighed yet nodded wiping her tear.

I looked at her and took her hands in mine.

"Okay, how about you live here for some more days. But Aadi will live with you. And I'll have a security protocol which you both will need to follow strictly" I asked and she looked at me.

"Done" It was Aadi and I looked at him raising a brow.

"Why you all of a sudden want to stay here." I asked and he chuckled nervously.

"Nothing. Just for mom" he said

"Your son likes someone" I shrugged and went to the kitchen while hearing mom taking class of Aditya.

Meanwhile, I made ginger tea and some pancakes and putting them in a dish I placed cup and the plate in tray.

"I too want pancakes" Aditya whined like a kid and I pointed the pan.

He grinned and went there where as mom smiled at me.

"Tell her to rest. No need to wake up from bed" She said and I nodded.

As I reached the room, I saw her tying her hairs in bun.

"You awake. How you feeling" I asked when she stopped what she was doing and her hairs again fell loose.

I won't deny that a view like this in morning would be great. But it'll end. I know it will.

She didn't speak a word but her eyes went to the tray.

She loves chocolate pancakes and ginger tea.

Yet without saying a word, she went to washroom and came after five minutes.

"Vrinda, you can't remain angry" I spoke

"Oh sure I can." She said sitting on the bed and I placed the tray near her.

She took a morsel of pancake and moaned again.

"Mhmm. This is so tasty. Has mom changed her technique to make pan cakes. Tell mom these are delectable" She said and I looked at her for a second.

"Okay" I mumbled hiding a small smile.

I went near her and she looked at me , the fork near her mouth and pancake stuffed inside.

Her face turned shocked as I leaned towards her.

"Wh... " She was saying when I touched her forehead with my palm.

"Don't bath. You still have fever. " I mumbled and she pushed me away a bit.

"And no one's taking these oh so tasty pancakes from you. Eat slowly wildcat. I'm sure it's not the first time you're seeing them" I smirked and she chew the pancake.

"Vrinda.. " I spoke but she didn't even look at me.

"Why are you angry at me" I asked

"As if you don't know" She scoffed

"Go away Abhimaan. I want to be alone" She added and I looked at her as my anger bubbled and I just nodded leaving.

Bathing and getting ready, I went downstairs to see Vrinda sitting with a novel.

Aadi was near her, his head on her lap as he was scrolling his phone.

"Aadi" I spoke and he looked at me.

"She's not your pillow. Get up. She's already ill" I said

Lier, ill ! You're jealous.

Shut up.

"No need. Aadi, I'm fine. You can relax" she stated

"Your legs will ache Vrinda. And he'll catch a flu" I reasoned

"Where did the flu go when you were checking my fever. Or else picking me up like a sac here and there" She asked and Aadi laughed

"Shut up Aadi . And Fine. Do whatever you want. It's useless to even argue with you" I gritted my teeth.

"Mom, where were you" Vrinda spoke and I looked behind me to see mom walking with Elliot.

"Just went to temple. How are you feeling " Mom asked going near her.

"Aadi, sit properly, her legs will ache" Mom added and now I looked at the duo smirking.

"No no mom. Let it be. Some people doesn't know what listening means. Their ears are just for show rather then a sense organ" I mocked

"Who's even talking to you." Vrinda chided

"Walls of this home. Of course not you" I mocked again

"Yaar. Go away. Mom tell him not to piss me off. Mai vaise bhi bimar hu. Or ye mera fever badha rahe hai (I'm already sick. And he's increasing my fever) " She Complained

"Drama queen" I muttered

"Though, mom the pancakes were so tasty. I mean my favorite now for sure" She said

"Oh I didn't make them. Your husband did" Mom told and she looked at me while a smirk automatically formed on my face.

Your husband did!!

"Itne bhi ache nahi the. Cheeni bhi kam thi. Chocolate bhi (They weren't so good. Sugar was less. Chocolate too ) " She muttered

"Yes sure. I heard about kitne ache nahi the ,kitni chocolate nahi thi everything (How good they weren't. How less the chocolate was, sab kuch)
when you had your mouth stuffed with them while speaking" I mocked again and she frowned and put her face into her book again.

I was about to go when I received a text from Tanya .

I need to talk to you. Something urgent. May be helpful to you.

How can this woman have audacity of texting me after yesterday and As if I would.

Ignoring the text, I blocked her number and went back to the room working on some pending cases and then at 4 pm I left for meeting Charan.

As we took the seats in his office he looked at me.

"My son is getting framed. In return I will give you whatever you want. Money, power everything" He said my fists clenched.

"How about I buy you with the money too" I glared him and he sighed

Fucker trying to buy me with money.

"I'm tensed Abhimaan. My son is in lock up. NY is not my area. It's yours. You can do whatever you want there. Get my son out and I'll give you so much power here in India" He said and I chuckled humorlessly.

"You think I'm powerless in India? You're delusional. Isn't it " I asked leaning back on the couch.

"What do you know about the thing you told my Secretary" I demanded

"Get my son out. You'll get the answers to it" He said

"Don't judge my patience Charan. What do you know about dad " I asked and he smirked

"Get my son out first" He said and I banged my hand in the couch.

"If your son is anyhow in human trafficking, I'll be against him in court and will sue him under so many sections that he'll never be able to come out of jail and you can sit here and do the hell with your power" I warned

"Don't you dare Abhimaan" He stood up where as I folded my leg over another.

"Try me" I simply said

"Okay. A fair deal, Get my son bailed, I'll give you a lead" He told and I stood up.

"Your son is for sure guilty. Your face says it all. Leave my leads to me. I've not solved the cases till today with your help. And as you said, NY is mine. So sit here in India and do whatever is in your hands to save your good for nothing son now " I smirked

"You aren't doing good Abhimaan. You'll pay for it" He threatened when I looked into his eyes directly.

"Now tell me your amount Charan. In how much money I should buy you" I fiercely spoke.

Bastard came out to buy me!

"If anything happen to my son due to you, I will ruin you and your fam.." Before he could speak I held his neck tightly twisting his hand on back and turned him forcing his neck such that his face touched the arm of the couch.

"Uh..se..sec.." He was about to scream when I covered his mouth with his own hand too.

"If you lay a finger on my family, aisa haal karunga ki saat pushte yaad rakhengi.

(I'll make your condition so worse that your seven generations will remember it)

And now I challenge you Shantanu Charan, Save your bastard son if you can." I warned pushing him away as he fell on the couch catching his breath.

I stepped out angrily and looked at Lucas.

"Lucas, this person named Shantanu Charan. I want you to find out if he's somehow related in any sense, personal, non personal any, with the person we're looking into" I commanded and he nodded.

"And make sure, no word to even Elliot" I warned

"Copied sir" He said as we reached the car.

Going home, I was burning in anger but as I was going towards main door, I saw the little figure swinging on the swing that was tied to an old mango tree in the garden.

My whole anger was as if subsiding. How is this even possible.

How is this humanly possible that my anger was vanishing seeing her.

"Keep an eye on Rehaan. He can't do anything here yet be alert. I'll dig such a grave for him in NY that he won't be able to come out of it" I said to which Lucas nodded.

"Dismissed" I commanded and he left.

What is this woman. Is she really what she shows. Is she really.. Whatever it is but,

She's sight worth absorbing .

I looked at her from distance but she was too busy in her own world. It was as if she was thinking something deeply.

She was humming a song which I've heard her singing a lot of times. Even while she's in walk in getting ready.

Abhi naa jaao chod kar..
Ke dil abhi bharaa nahi..
Abhi naa jaao chod kar.
Ke dil abhi bhara nahi!!

Abhi abhi to aaye ho...

I went to the back of the swing as it was moving to and fro. Once it came back , I slipped my hand to her waist stopping the swing from moving and she gasped as she looked at me.

Her nose touched mine and I could hear her heart beats.

I do affect her.

"You were ill wild cat. Blood Reports are normal doesn't mean you'll sit here in cold air. Get in" I said

" You can't order me around sir" She told

"You don't know what an order is. The day you get it you'll know. " I replied and she moved her swing again.

"That's your favorite song" I asked and she looked confused for a second but then raised her brows nodding.

"That song, Abhi na jaao chod kar, it has too deep emotions. I love that" She said and I nodded.

"That's my favorite song" I told when she just looked in front without speaking.

"Vrinda, inside home" I again said

"I'll go when I want" She argued

"Fine then. You're responsible for what happens next" I said and before she could say anything I picked her up in my arms.

A shriek left her mouth as her arms encircled around my neck.

"What the hell. Are you mad" She screamed

"Woman, Stop making me deaf. " I warned as I started walking.

"Abhimaan leave me. Ain't I now allowed to even do what I like" She asked

"You don't need anyone's permission for that wild cat. But not when you're already in fever" I calmly said

As I was about to enter inside home, Lucas came.

"Sir, Ms. Dewani is outside. Asking for you" He said and I looked at Vrinda looking at me.

"Put me down" She muttered irritation clearly visible in her eyes.

"And in what language I've to say that no, I'm not meeting her" I snapped looking at Lucas.

"She's pestering sir. The lady isn't ready to budge." He said a bit irritated himself.

"Wait here" I commanded to which he nodded and I walked inside.

"Abhimaan you can do your work. Don't bother about me. And my legs are working fine for me to walk" Vrinda snapped this time and I sighed making her stand.

"What did Tanya say to you yesterday" I asked again

"She's here right. You both know each other so well since six months. Why don't you ask her" She said and without waiting for even a second, she turned, leaving from there.

I too went outside and looked at Lucas.

"Where is she" I asked

"Outside the main gate" He told and I nodded walking.

"Abhi.. " Tanya spoke as she saw me.

"You must be blind as well as deaf right. Abhimaan it is" I snapped

"Fine. Abhimaan, there's something very important I need to discuss with you" She said

"And in what sense you thought that I must be interested. Leave before I call a female police and get you arrested for trespassing the reserved area" I warned and turned to leave.

"It's about Charans" She spoke when my steps halted and I looked back.

"Shantanu Charan" I asked to which she nodded.

"How do you know him" I added

"Atleast let me in" She said

"Why, can't you speak standing there. Use mouth to speak not legs" I snapped

"What's wrong with you Abhimaan. What has that wom.. " She was saying before which I spoke.

"Don't even utter a word about her. God knows what shit you've said to her. She's not even ready to tell me" I angrily said

"And what about her raising her hand on me" She gritted her teeth.

"Really! She did that Well done wife. Chalo, meri biwi hone ka kuch to lakshan dikhaya. (Atleast she showed some signs of being my wife) " I was impressed and she looked at me.

"Let me in. I need to tell you something. You won't find woman like me, who's taking up your words like this" She mumbled

"No one told you to do so. You can leave" I said and she sighed

"Fine. Dad knows Shantanu Charan. They're good friends. So dad came to know about his son, Sankalp Charan. He was with your dad too. A good friend of your dad" She told and I looked at her.

I gestured the watchman to open the door again and we walked inside.

"That means your dad knew mine too" I asked

"No. He just knew him from Charan. Dad says, he can help you solve the case. And dad says, he can help you much more in other things" She said and I halted.

"Other things as in" I asked

"As in about the reasons you're in India frequently" She said and I looked at her.

Everyone here knows half things and come to help me.

What the fuck should I do with all these people.

Why they even think that I need their help.

"He doesn't need to bother. And as of Charan, I can handle my cases myself. I don't need help of your dad or you for solving them." I snapped

"Come on Abhimaan. It's a win-win situation. You get two birds with one arrow. Dad told me to just tell you that he knows more then you about everything. He has been in Delhi more then you. More then you into the world where you're searching your clues. And dad genuinely wants to help you" She said and I looked at her.

Again in misconceptions that they know Delhi more then me.

For God's sake, Delhi is my home.

"And what deal is he making out of it in return of this" I asked

"Dad needs nothing in return other then.. " She was saying but stopped and looked at me.

"Other then? " I asked

"You to leave that woman and marry me" She said and at the same time I felt a presence behind me.

The woman which I somehow sense without turning.

Shit!

____________________________________

Hey readers.

Well, well. Isn't Abhimaan cute too🥺

And finally, The name Vrinda gave him😍

And isn't Vrinda more cute🥺❤

But what's happening.

What now ? Let's see .

Vote, like, share and reviews are always welcomed.

Until next...

Hugs 🫂